Ready for your next binge-watch? Here’s your ultimate guide to movies and TV series for book lovers, especially if you’re obsessed with romance novels. Hand-picked romance movies and series that bring your favorite literary tropes to life!
TL;DR - Quick Overview: From Pride & Prejudice to Purple Hearts, this list for romance book lovers sorts movies and series by popular tropes and includes top picks on Netflix and Amazon Prime for your next screen session. Plus, must-see novel adaptations.
Jump to a Section
▼From Page to Screen: The Ultimate Romance Movies and TV Shows for Book Lovers
Turn your love for romance novels into your next favorite binge-watch. This guide has the best movies and series for book lovers, including must-see adaptations and a Netflix queue refresh, curated to feed that bookish heart.
Movie Recommendations for Romance Book Lovers
Marriage of Convenience Trope Fans
Purple Hearts
A struggling musician and a young Marine enter a marriage of convenience for benefits, only to find themselves unexpectedly falling in love.
- Why you'll love it: The slow-burn emotional arc mirrors those heartfelt romance novel journeys from fake to forever.
- Where to watch: Netflix
- Why you'll love it: Cultural depth meets sweet romance as two people discover faith, family, and genuine connection through their marriage of convenience journey.
- Where to watch: Hallmark+, Tubi (free), Roku Channel (free), Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV
Historical Romance
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy's legendary love story gets the cinematic treatment with breathtaking cinematography and unforgettable chemistry.
- Why you'll love it: Peak enemies-to-lovers tension with gorgeous period details.
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
A young woman trapped in a loveless marriage with her paralyzed husband discovers passionate love and sexual awakening with their estate's brooding gamekeeper.
- Why you'll love it: Forbidden class-crossing romance with intense chemistry, beautiful cinematography, and the ultimate story of breaking free from societal constraints for true love.
- Where to watch: Netflix
Second Chance Romance
Redeeming Love
Based on Francine Rivers' bestselling novel, this film explores whether love can truly heal the deepest wounds and offer redemption.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I highly recommend this! The movie is tastefully done, and the plot is so captivating that I still think about it sometimes. Plus, it's inspired by the biblical book of Hosea.
- Why you'll love it: Emotional depth and the power of unconditional love make this a tear-jerker in the best way.
- Where to watch: Rent or buy it on Prime.
The Vow
When a car accident erases a woman's memories of her marriage, her husband must win her heart all over again.
- Why you'll love it: Real-life inspiration and the ultimate test of true love.
- Where to watch: Netflix
Romantic Suspense
Safe Haven
A mysterious woman with a dark past finds refuge in a small coastal town, but danger and love both find her.
- Why you'll love it: Nicholas Sparks delivers romance with genuine stakes and mystery.
- Where to watch: Netflix
- Why you'll love it: Studio Ghibli's enchanting blend of romance, magic, and stunning animation creates a transformative love story about finding beauty within and the power of self-acceptance.
- Where to watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video (rent/buy), Apple TV, or Hulu
Forbidden Romance
The Idea of You
- Why you'll love it: Anne Hathaway delivers a powerful performance in this age-gap romance that explores second chances, self-discovery, and the courage to love authentically despite what others think.
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
My Fault
A BookTok and Wattpad Viral Sensation. When her mother remarries, Noah finds herself attracted to her new stepbrother in this romance that's all about forbidden attraction.
- Why you'll love it: Steamy tension and the thrill of loving someone you shouldn't.
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video (the Spanish version Culpa Mia is spicier, if that's what you prefer)
The Kissing Booth
Elle breaks her best friend's rule by falling for his older brother, leading to secret romance and friendship drama.
- Why you'll love it: Young adult forbidden love with plenty of heart and humor.
- Where to watch: Netflix
- Why you'll love it: Neighborly secrets and intense attraction amp up the forbidden romance thrill with Spanish flair and undeniable chemistry.
- Where to watch: Netflix
Nobody Wants This
A sex podcaster and an unconventional rabbi navigate an unlikely romance despite their vastly different worlds, families, and life philosophies.
- Why you'll love it: Kristen Bell and Adam Brody's electric chemistry plus witty dialogue make this opposites-attract rom-com both hilarious and heartwarming. Perfect for those looking for a modern, mature, realistic, and healthy love story.
- Where to watch: Netflix
- Why you'll love it: This gorgeous Studio Ghibli film offers a miniature world full of wonder, exploring themes of friendship, courage, and finding your place despite being different.
- Where to watch: HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video (rent/buy), or Apple TV
Small-Town Romance
The Longest Ride
A young couple's romance intertwines with the decades-spanning love story of an elderly man they rescue, revealing how true love endures across generations.
- Why you'll love it: Dual timelines and Nicholas Sparks' signature emotional depth create a sweeping romance that celebrates lasting love through life's challenges.
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV
Enemies to Lovers
Leap Year
When Anna's flight to Dublin is diverted, she must rely on a grumpy Irish innkeeper to help her reach her boyfriend for a leap year proposal.
- Why you'll love it: Banter, beautiful Irish scenery, and the classic enemies-to-lovers progression.
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
10 Things I Hate About You
A modern retelling of Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" set in high school with plenty of wit and attitude. This is a cult classic you should never miss.
- Why you'll love it: Sharp dialogue and the perfect enemies-to-lovers teen romance.
- Where to watch: Disney+
Just Like Heaven
A workaholic doctor's spirit becomes trapped in her former apartment, where only the new tenant, a grieving landscape architect, can see and communicate with her as they help each other heal.
- Why you'll love it: Supernatural romance with Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo's undeniable chemistry, blending heartfelt emotion with the ultimate impossible love story that transcends life and death.
- Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV
Friends to Lovers
Love, Rosie
Best friends Rosie and Alex navigate life, love, and missed opportunities across decades.
- Why you'll love it: The ultimate "right person, wrong time" story that'll make you believe in destiny (and say "Finally!" in the end).
- Where to watch: Netflix
13 Going on 30
A 13-year-old girl wakes up in her 30-year-old body and realizes her childhood best friend might be her soulmate.
- Why you'll love it: Nostalgic, sweet, and the perfect friends-to-lovers fantasy.
- Where to watch: Netflix
Made of Honor
- Why you'll love it: Classic friends-to-lovers panic with Patrick Dempsey's charm and the perfect "oh no, I'm too late" romantic comedy chaos.
- Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Paramount+
Childhood Crush
Flipped
The story of Juli and Bryce, told from both perspectives as they navigate middle school and changing feelings.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I highly recommend this! I'll never get tired of it. It's one of my comfort movies.
- Why you'll love it: Innocent, heartfelt, and beautifully captures the complexity of young love.
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Fake Dating
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
When Lara Jean's secret love letters are mysteriously mailed to her crushes, she enters a fake relationship to save face.
- Why you'll love it: Adorable fake dating that becomes beautifully real.
- Where to watch: Netflix
The Wedding Date
A single woman hires a charming male escort to accompany her to her sister's wedding, but their fake relationship starts feeling surprisingly real.
- Why you'll love it: Fake dating with a twist. Plus Dermot Mulroney's swoon-worthy confidence and the perfect blend of humor and heart.
- Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV
She's Dating The Gangster
A shy college student agrees to fake-date a campus heartthrob to make his ex jealous, but their pretend romance evolves into something beautifully real.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I highly recommend this!
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll giggle, you'll get blown away. It's more than just a teeny bopper movie.
- Why you'll love it: Filipino cinema's take on fake dating with emotional depth, cultural warmth, and a love story that spans decades.
- Where to watch: Netflix (in select regions), iWantTFC, or YouTube Movies
TV Series Recommendations for Romance Novel Lovers
Marriage of Convenience Series
My Lady JaneIn an alternate Tudor England, Lady Jane Grey navigates political schemes and a fiery romance with her reluctant husband.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I highly recommend this!
- Why you'll love it: Feisty banter and historical fantasy spark joy.
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
- Why you'll love it: Opposing personalities melt into sweet harmony and slow burn.
- Where to watch: Netflix (in select regions) or YouTube
Historical Romance Series
Miss Scarlet and the Duke
Victorian London detective Eliza Scarlet solves crimes while navigating a complicated relationship with Inspector Wellington.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I highly recommend this!
If you're a fan of fierce, feisty, independent female main characters (FMC), you'll love Eliza. And if you like grumpy, reluctant, yet protective book boyfriends, you'll enjoy William (the Duke).
- Why you'll love it: Murder mysteries with slow-building romantic tension (though it mainly centers on Eliza rather than the love story, it's still fun to watch them fight their feelings).
- Where to watch: PBS or enjoy it on Amazon Prime Video
The Buccaneers
American heiresses invade 1870s London society, seeking titles and love while challenging Victorian conventions and expectations.
- Why you'll love it: Lavish period drama with rebellious heroines, forbidden romances, and the perfect blend of historical elegance and modern sensibilities.
- Where to watch: Apple TV+
Bridgerton Season 2: The Viscount Who Loved Me
Anthony Bridgerton is determined to marry for duty, not love, until he meets Kate Sharma.
Julia Quinn is one of my favorite historical romance authors. I'm not surprised the movies are as phenomenal as the books.
- Why you'll love it: Intense forbidden attraction and family duty conflicts.
- Where to watch: Netflix
Outlander
Claire Randall, a WWII nurse, touches ancient Scottish stones and finds herself in 1743, where she marries Jamie Fraser for protection.
- Why you'll love it: Epic love story spanning centuries with incredible character development.
- Where to watch: Starz
Small-Town Romance Series
Sullivan's Crossing
Boston City's promising neurosurgeon, Maggie Sullivan, inherits her father's campground and finds love and healing in the small mountain community.
- Why you'll love it: Healing romance and beautiful natural settings.
- Where to watch: Netflix
Enemies to Lovers Series
Maxton Hall: The World Between Us
A determined scholarship student and a privileged heir clash and ignite a forbidden romance amid secrets at an elite British prep school.
- Why you'll love it: Class divides and hidden depths make the forbidden feel electric with plenty of academic tension and steamy chemistry.
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Love Is in the Air (Sen Çal Kapımı)
After her scholarship is revoked, Eda enters a fake engagement with businessman Serkan, leading to unexpected real feelings and comedic drama.
- Why you'll love it: Turkish rom-com energy makes the fake feel fabulously fun.
- Where to watch: Hulu or YouTube
Friends to Lovers Series
Bridgerton Season 3: Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton's friendship evolves into something deeper.
- Why you'll love it: Long-awaited friends-to-lovers story with beautiful character growth.
- Where to watch: Netflix
Fake Dating Series
Bridgerton Season 1: The Duke and I
Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings enter a fake courtship that becomes all too real.
- Why you'll love it: Diverse casting, perfect fake dating execution with incredible chemistry.
- Where to watch: Netflix
Romantasy
Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)
Two high school students, a city boy from Tokyo and a country girl from a small mountain town, mysteriously begin to swap bodies, forming a deep connection that transcends time and space as they race to avert a looming disaster.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I highly recommend this!
I rarely scream when the movie ends, but I did with this one. Fingers crossed, there will be a part two or a live-action adaptation.
- Why you'll love it: The breathtaking animation, stunning visuals, and emotionally resonant story create a mind-bending supernatural romance that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video (rent/buy), Apple TV, or Google Play
Top 10 Movies and Series for Book Lovers on Netflix
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Bridgerton | Regency romance with modern sensibilities and diverse casting. |
| Outlander | Time-traveling love story spanning centuries and continents. |
| Virgin River | Small-town healing romance with multiple storylines. |
| To All the Boys I've Loved Before | A teen fake dating story that becomes beautifully real. |
| The Kissing Booth | Forbidden high school romance with friendship complications. |
| Sweet Magnolias | Three Southern women navigate love, friendship, and second chances. |
| You | Dark psychological romance that's dangerously addictive. |
| 13 Going on 30 | Time-jump romance about childhood friends becoming soulmates. |
| Set It Up | Smart rom-com about assistants playing matchmaker. |
| The Half of It | Modern retelling of Cyrano with LGBTQ+ themes. |
Top 10 Movies and Series for Book Lovers on Amazon Prime
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| My Lady Jane | Historical fantasy with shapeshifters and swoony romance. |
| The Summer I Turned Pretty | Beach house love triangles and coming-of-age drama. |
| Pride & Prejudice (2005) | The ultimate enemies-to-lovers period romance. |
| My Fault | Spanish forbidden romance with plenty of steam. |
| Leap Year | Irish enemies-to-lovers road trip romance. |
| Flipped | Sweet middle school romance told from both perspectives. |
| The Proposal | Boss-assistant fake marriage with great chemistry. |
| Love, Rosie | Lifelong friends navigate missed opportunities and timing. |
| Modern Love | Anthology series exploring different types of love. |
| Red, White & Royal Blue | Enemies-to-lovers romance between a President's son and a Prince. |
Movie Adaptations of All-Time Favorite Romantic Books
-
Pride & Prejudice (2005) - Jane Austen
-
The Notebook - Nicholas Sparks
-
Me Before You - Jojo Moyes
-
The Fault in Our Stars - John Green
-
A Walk to Remember - Nicholas Sparks
-
Emma (2020) - Jane Austen
-
Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
-
The Princess Bride - William Goldman
-
Outlander - Diana Gabaldon
-
Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers
Series Adaptations of All-Time Favorite Romantic Books
-
Outlander - Diana Gabaldon series
-
Bridgerton - Julia Quinn series
-
Virgin River - Robyn Carr series
-
Sweet Magnolias - Sherryl Woods series
-
The Summer I Turned Pretty - Jenny Han trilogy
-
Normal People - Sally Rooney
-
Anne with an E - L.M. Montgomery
-
Little Fires Everywhere - Celeste Ng
-
Big Little Lies - Liane Moriarty
-
You - Caroline Kepnes series
In Summary: Movies and TV Series for Book Lovers
From steamy historical dramas to cozy small-town romances, there's a perfect screen adaptation waiting for every romanticist. Whether you're craving the comfort of familiar tropes or excited to discover new stories, these movies and series for book lovers offer the same emotional satisfaction as your favorite novels.
So grab your remote, settle in with your favorite reading snacks, and let these stories sweep you away. Your TBR pile will understand.
FAQs
1. Are these recommendations suitable for all ages?
Most selections range from teen-appropriate to mature adult content. Always check ratings and content warnings, especially for series like Lady Chatterley's Lover, which contains mature themes.
2. Which streaming platform has the most romance content for book lovers?
Netflix currently leads with the most romance movies and series for book lovers, followed closely by Amazon Prime Video. Both platforms regularly add new romantic content and book adaptations. But check out also Hulu, Starz, Tubi, and Max for other options.
3. How do I know if a movie or series is based on a book?
Look for "Based on the novel by..." in the opening credits, or check the show's description. Many adaptations prominently feature their literary origins in marketing materials.
4. Does watching movies or series adaptations count for reading?
Yes! When you watch a romance adaptation or a movie that perfectly captures your favorite trope, you're essentially experiencing storytelling in a different format. These movies for book girlies are an extension of your reading journey.
Plus, let's be honest. Sometimes you need to see those swoon-worthy moments play out with actual humans and heart-stopping soundtracks.
Happy watching, book lovers and series bingers! Your next great love story is just a click away.
Image protected by copyright from Internet Marketing Ad and may not be utilized for any commercial purposes.Do you have a favorite movie that's not on the list? Share your movie or series recommendations!
12 comments
Hi dear friend Lux, thank you so much for this wonderful extended list! Some videos are not available to me (I am in Canada), but I will look through the ones that are! I appreciate the time you took to share this. :)
ReplyDeleteHi dear Lux, I have come back to take a look at your list of videos here. It looks as if there are just two that I am unable to see, Outlander and Sullivan's Crossing. Not bad, two out of this list is acceptable, I guess. :)
ReplyDeleteIn response to your question on my blog today, my summer is going well so far. The only thing I am having trouble with is the intense heat and humidity here in Montreal, plus the wildfires, which seriously affect the air quality. We have had temperatures of 40 Celsius or 104 Fahrenheit! Other than that, things are going well, dear friend. I hope you are doing well.
Thank you so much for this list and I will be back from time to time to take a look and remind myself about these. Best wishes to you!
Great blog, thanks for sharing this; there are always people who want to watch it.
ReplyDeleteI only watch movies on TV; we don't have Netflix.
We always watch detective series and the regular programs that are on TV.
Best, Irma
I absolutely must watch Howl's Moving Castle one of these days. I did read the book!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing list! I need to come back to this to find new things to watch. Nobody Wants This and Bridgerton are two of my faves!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I don’t read so many romance books, but this list makes me want to dive into the genre more especially on screen. Adding a few of these to my watchlist, especially My Lady Jane. I already love Outlander!
ReplyDeleteHi, Lux!
ReplyDeleteBeing a huge fan of the thriller, horror and slasher genres does not preclude me from enjoying movies and series in the romance category. Right off the bat, with your first recommendation, Purple Heart, you touched on an actress that impresses me, namely Sofia Carson. Sofia, an accomplished pop singer, came up through the ranks at Disney and in recent years has become one of the leading ladies of romance on Netflix. I recently watched her 2025 Netflix film The Life List (2025) and liked her a lot in it. Connie Britton, who plays her mother, is also a favorite of mine. I urge you to watch The Life List. I see that Sofia also has another new Netflix romance in the pipeline entitled My Oxford Year. In an uncanny coincidence, Lauren Ambrose, the star of your second recommended film, Loving Leah, is currently featured in my latest post at Shady's Place as the star of the 2000 comedy horror movie Psycho Beach Party! I liked Rachel McAdams in The Noteboom, Red Eye and Morning Glory and will put The Vow on my watch list. I am also a fan of actress, singer and dance sensation Julianne Hough, having first noticed her in the 2015 horror thriller Curve. I will look for her in Safe Haven. I enjoyed Britt Robertson's performance in Under The Dome and I'll look for her in The Longest Ride. Amy Adams is my favorite actress of all. I have seen most of her movies and, coincidentally, she is also currently featured on my blog as one of the stars of Psycho Beach Party. I have not yet seen Leap Year and I thank you for the tip. Reese Witherspoon is another big favorite, giving a superb performance as June Carter in Walk The Line. I am eager to see Reese in Just Like Heaven, a movie released that same year, 2005. Lily Collins, daughter of famed musician Phil Collins, is also a favorite. As Lauren Monroe, lead character of the 2020 suspense thriller Inheritance, Lily is a member of my "Shady Bunch" - a presenter of artists and songs at Shady's Place. I am eager to see her in Love, Rosie. Ever since American Horror Story: Murder House, I have followed Alexandra Breckenridge. That includes her stint in This Is Us and her successful current series Virgin River. The list goes on and on. I have surprised myself with the number of romance offerings I have enjoyed watching.
Have a good month of August, dear friend Lux. I hope to see you again around mid month when I return with my next post at Shady's Place!
So many choices to make. What an exhaustive list. 😊
ReplyDelete13 Going on 30 was a good movie. I watched the first 2 seasons of Bridgerton and liked it so far. I have Outlander in my queue to watch at some point.
ReplyDeleteGreat list! I need to check a few of these out.
ReplyDeleteAwesome list. And great ones too.
ReplyDeleteGreat list Lux! I’ve seen several of these and have added several more to my watch list. ☺️
ReplyDelete